UAE Parents Negotiate School Fee Payment Plans to Alleviate Financial Burden

While most UAE schools require term-based payments, some institutions are accommodating parents by offering monthly payment plans or accepting credit card payments to spread the cost

Sharjah, UAE – As the new academic year begins, many parents in the UAE are turning to creative solutions to manage the financial burden of school fees.

With most schools requiring term-based payments, parents like Umm Ahmed have successfully negotiated alternative payment plans to ease their financial strain.

Advertisement

Umm Ahmed, a single mother, has been managing her 11-year-old son’s school fees through a monthly payment plan for the past four years.

“We joined the school when my son was in Grade 2 and now he is in Grade 6,” Umm Ahmed shared. “For the last four years, the school has been very understanding and allowed me to use a payment plan for clearing the school fees. It has been a lifesaver for me.”

Like Umm Ahmed, several other parents are also seeking flexible payment options to avoid the strain of paying a lump sum at the start of each term.

While most UAE schools require term-based payments, some institutions are accommodating parents by offering monthly payment plans or accepting credit card payments to spread the cost.

Diverse Payment Options

Many schools in the UAE, particularly those following the Indian curriculum, offer parents the option to pay fees either monthly or term-wise. Hannah K., a parent of a Grade 1 student at Our Own English High School in Dubai, appreciates this flexibility.

Advertisement

“My child goes to Our Own English High School in Dubai, and the school gives me the option to pay it on a monthly or term basis,” she said.

“I am thankful for that option because it doesn’t burden us unnecessarily. Parents also have the option to pay bus fees on a monthly basis.”

Similarly, Manish Khiara, whose son attends the Indian High School in Dubai, notes that the school has long provided a monthly payment option.

“The school has had a monthly payment plan since I was a student there in the 1990s,” he said. “They have the same system now when my son is studying there.”

Credit Cards and Alternative Financial Solutions

For some parents, credit cards and financial services have become essential tools for managing school fee payments.

Banks and financial platforms like Tabby and Payit offer options to break down school fee payments into manageable installments without interest. However, accessing these options can be challenging for some.

Umm Ahmed, who faced difficulty obtaining a credit card due to her financial situation, initially sought assistance from the school. “The bank requires those applying for a credit card to have a salary above Dh5000,” she explained.

“Since I was staying in company accommodation, my housing allowance was being deducted from my salary. So the amount that came into my account was less than Dh5000. This caused my request for a credit card to be rejected. That is why I approached the school.”

Sharjah resident Mohammed Iqbal also turned to a credit card for the first time to manage his school fees. “I had always paid school fees on a quarterly basis for all my three children,” Iqbal said.

“However, last year I had a financial emergency and was unable to make the quarterly payment. I approached the school for a payment plan, but they refused to cooperate. That is how I was forced to take a credit card.”

Iqbal found the credit card option crucial for breaking down the large fee payments into more manageable chunks.

“I was very thankful for the option because I was on the verge of pulling my children out of school as there was no way for me to afford the tuition fee,” he added.

Understanding Schools

While most schools in the UAE adhere to term-based fee structures, some are flexible in accommodating parents facing financial difficulties.

A senior spokesperson at a leading British-syllabus school in Jumeirah confirmed that the management sometimes allows monthly payments in “unique circumstances.” “The rule is that school fees must be paid on a quarterly basis,” he said.

“However, there are instances when people face financial difficulties and approach the school. We are understanding of it and negotiate a payment plan with them. However, this is not something we advertise because we don’t want parents to approach us without a legitimate reason.”

Nighat Abbas, a Sharjah resident with three children in various educational institutions, shared her experience with negotiating payment plans.

“With three children studying in university, an institute, and school, the start of school terms is always challenging for us,” she said.

“We approached the school and institute for a payment plan. The school refused, but the institute agreed to do so. It has been a big help for us.”

Conclusion

The rising cost of education in the UAE has prompted many parents to seek flexible payment solutions to manage their finances effectively.

While term-based payments remain the standard, the willingness of some schools to offer alternative payment plans and the availability of financial tools such as credit cards and installment platforms have provided crucial relief for many families.

As the academic year progresses, it is clear that financial flexibility remains a vital consideration for parents striving to ensure their children’s education continues without interruption.

 

Tariq Saeed

Read More

Dubai Police rewards a 75-yr-old for loosing weight

Dubai Police authorities, under its' initiative 'Positive Spirit', honours a 75-year-old man Ahmed Muhammad Ali for losing significant weight as he took participate in the "Lose Weight, Stay Healthy" fitness programme in Oud Al Muteena 1 Park.

Abu Dhabi police issue weather alert as UAE wakes up to overcast skies

Police in UAE's Abu Dhabi have issued a safety alert to motorists after dusty conditions on Tuesday morning, July 26, caused low visibility.

Indian MoS Muraleedharan meets Bangladesh FM Abdul Momen in Colombo, discusses common matters

Sri Lanka: The Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs of India, Vellamvelly Muraleedharan, held a meeting with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Bangladesh, Ak Abdul Momen and discussed common areas of mutual interest for both nations on Sunday, February 05, 2023.

Recent

Unprecedented Rainfall Floods Dubai, UAE Braces for Continued Wet Weather

The unusual weather patterns have prompted government authorities to take swift action, urging employees to work from home and continue distance learning in schools until the situation stabilizes

Over Half of UAE Residents Spend More Than They Earn, Survey Reveals

The Yabi Financial Health Report 2024, conducted by a leading financial technology platform, found that 50.46 per cent of respondents spent more than they earned over the past year, raising alarms over financial security and preparedness for the future

Egypt: SS Minister Niveen Al Qabaj continues drug abuse monitoring during Ramadan

The Minister of Social Solidarity and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fund, Mrs Niveen Al Qabaj, headed the Media Observatory of the Anti–Addiction Treatment and Addiction Fund, continuing monitoring of smoking and drug abuse in charity activities during Ramadan 2023.
admin

Too Many Requests